2013 : Year of the Swimsuit?

by 1June 11, 2013

There has been a rise in the popularity of swimsuits this summer especially for a younger audience than usual. We've seen plenty of fabulous designs on the catwalks and on the high street - Swimsuits are cool again.
Choosing a swimsuit over a bikini for many women is usually down to comfort and confidence opposed to a style choice, many feel that as they get older they prefer extra coverage. But now we are seeing more and more statement designs around appealing to a younger fresher crowd. The continuing trend of vintage and retro is one that translates into swimwear design perfectly with feminine and flattering silhouettes and glamour. Baring as much skin as possible is no longer as fashionable, women are learning more about the best way to dress to accentuate their best features and with more varied and versatile swimwear designs than ever it is much easier. There is just so much choice in terms of shape, colour, support, style, cut and detail that choosing a swimsuit is as exciting as choosing a party dress.
Increased sales of one-piece swimsuits have been reported across the board indicating a rise in popularity, with celebrities such as Rhianna and Beyonce spotted wearing some stunning swimsuits recently which is definitely pushing them up the cool-o-meter, as well as the huge retro/vintage influence on fashion at the moment. For the first time I myself have decided on a swimsuit this year opposed to a bikini at the age of 23 - not sure how many of my friends will follow suit but I definitely feel much more positive about swimsuits this year and I think the choice of gorgeous designs available has a lot to do with it, as well as realising how flattering they are. In terms of body image and body confidence, this summer is the most body confident I have ever felt yet I still feel less inclined to wear a bikini - but perhaps this comes with being a little bit older, perhaps because of this I am more inclined to choose a swimsuit as now I feel more compelled to make fashion choices based more upon my own preferences and not just because of what is considered to be more appealing. This is not to say that I would never wear a bikini, they are always great for topping up your tan and there is always something so lovely about feeling the sun on your skin, it does feel great to be able to mix up your swimwear more though and feel like you have a great choice whether it be a bikini or a swimsuit. In terms of bikinis the retro theme still has a grip, there are a lot more retro styled bikinis around including boyleg and high-waisted bottoms. It really is a very exciting time for swimwear with so much choice, you can really have fun with it and even take it away from the beach! Swimsuits look great worn with shorts and loose shirts.
Will you be choosing a swimsuit or a bikini this year? Please comment below!

1 comment

I love both, and it’s great to have the choice! Now in my 50s, I do like to cover up a little more, yet as you say the feel of sun on more of your skin is so lovely in a bikini. So I use bikinis with fuller coverage over the bottom whilst lazing on a lounger around the pool to feel the sunshine on more of my skin, and a well cut flattering swimsuit if I am on the boat, the beach or moving around more, often with a sarong. I love the Melissa Odabash Brussels bikini range as the bottoms fold over and give good coverage and so comfortable too. Her Hawaii swimsuit in white is also a stunner and very easy to wear. It’s great to have the choice nowadays and not feel we “have” to use the skimpiest of bikinis. Also lovely to see well designed beautiful swimsuits that are no longer just boring and staid.

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